A SHOP owner who wants to open a chip shop in Fernhill Heath is appealing against a council decision to refuse permission.

Kashmir Singh, owner of Dilmore Stores, wanted to extend his shop and build a fish and chip shop after his customers repeatedly asked him to.

But despite public support in the village, Wychavon District Council turned down his application.

Officers and councillors believed a chip shop on Dilmore Road would annoy residents with smells, litter, noise and disturbance.

They were also concerned with a lack of parking spaces, and thought on-street parking would cause inconvenience to residents.

But Mr Singh has appealed against the decision, saying he can prove public support with a petition.

"The application was made following repeated requests by customers for the addition to the shop, in the absence of a chip shop in the village," he said.

"We can't alienate residents, they're our customers.

"We believe, not only does the proposal provide a much needed amenity, but it could also reduce traffic by saving people having to drive some miles to a chip shop."

The appeal against the decision is being dealt with by written representations.

Anyone wanting to make comments on the application should contact The Planning Inspectorate, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2, The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.